Alexa White, an STPP Certificate and Ph.D. student in ecology and evolutionary biology, was given the inaugural FAS Policy Entrepreneur Award by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) at a ceremony in Washington, DC on November 16, 2023. According to FAS, “This award recognizes initiative to bring science and technology evidence to government policy.” Others honored at the ceremony for public service included filmmaker Christopher Nolan; Senators Chuck Schumer and Todd Young; and Dr. Alondra Nelson; Harold F. Linder Professor, Institute for Advanced Study.
Ms. White is the co-founder, along with Adria Peterkin, of Aya Research Institute, a non-profit think tank dedicated to a two-fold mission, according to its website, “(1) to provide innovative and practical recommendations for current environmental, climate, and energy justice issues that inform U.S. federal policy, and (2) to increase the number of scientists and engineers engaged in community-led research.”
What do you want people to know about the work that won the Policy Entrepreneur Award?
The Policy Entrepreneur Award recognized Aya's efforts in integrating environmental justice into policy frameworks and the need for more people of color on science and engineering environmental justice projects. Our work, particularly the Justice40 tracker and report, has been instrumental in ensuring that 40% of the benefits of federal investments in climate and clean energy reach disadvantaged communities. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to bridging the gap between science and policy to foster more equitable and sustainable environmental practices.
How did it feel to have your work recognized in this way?
Receiving this award was both humbling and affirming. It underscored the importance of our mission at Aya Research Institute and validated the years of dedicated research and advocacy in environmental justice. This recognition fuels my and my co-founder Adria Peterkin's determination to continue addressing the pressing issues of climate change and inequality.
Why did you decide to get an STPP certificate, and how has it contributed to your career path?
Pursuing an STPP (Science, Technology, and Public Policy) certificate was a strategic decision to enhance my understanding of the intersection between science and policy. This program has been pivotal in shaping my approach to research, particularly in understanding how scientific findings can be translated into effective and equitable policy decisions. It has provided me with the tools to better advocate for policy changes that are informed by scientific understanding and grounded in social justice.
Anything else you’d like to share about STPP and/or the award?
The STPP program's emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and its focus on the societal impacts of science and technology have been invaluable. It has allowed me to approach environmental justice from a multifaceted perspective, considering not just the ecological aspects but also the social, economic, and political dimensions.
What is next for the Aya Research Institute and for you?
As for the Aya Research Institute, we are continually expanding our research and outreach efforts. Our next launch will include our graduate fellowship program aimed at increasing the scientific and engineering capacities of grassroots environmental justice organizations nationwide. Our next steps involve deepening our understanding of community-engaged participatory research methodologies to further understand and address the challenges in environmental justice and climate justice technologies. Personally, I am looking forward to furthering my work in this field, exploring new collaborations, and continuing to influence policy for environmental justice.
Read more about Alexa's work in this article from LSA and this story in the University Record.